How Tire Savvy are You?
You can learn a lot about a person’s knowledge of safe driving habits just by looking at their tires. Are your tires giving people a bad impression?
Find out what common tire conditions could be saying about your tire savvy.
Scenario #1: All-Season Radials in January
Your tires say you like to live dangerously.
To be safe on the roads in winter, you should be prepared for the worst weather possible. In Northeast Ohio, that ranges from freezing rain, sleet and ice to inches (or a foot or more) of snow.
Although all-season radials may give you good performance under many conditions, they will not give you the grip, braking and handling you need for winter. Purchase a set of four identical snow tires. You’ll be able to identify them by the imprint of the mountain snowflake symbol. Make sure they are the right size for your vehicle and have a tread depth of at least 6/32-inch.
Scenario #2: Winter Tires in May
Your tires say you like to spend money unnecessarily.
Don’t let winter tires wear out before their time. Because they are made with softer rubber compounds and deeper tread patterns, they wear much faster in warm weather. Swapping them out in the spring helps extend their lifespan, improves performance and saves you money by delaying the cost of replacement.
Scenario #3: Using the “Penny Test”
Your tires say you are an accident waiting to happen.
The penny test has long been used to check tire tread depth, but by the time you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires have reached the legal minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch in Ohio and should be replaced immediately. At this point, your risk of hydroplaning increases significantly, and your tires provide little to no traction in snow.
Instead, use the quarter test. Insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, your tread is down to about 4/32 inch, which means it’s time to start shopping for new tires before safety and performance begin to decline.
Contact Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care if you’d like us to inspect your tires.
Scenario #4: Driving on Mismatched Tires
Your tires say your driving may get out of control.
When replacing a tire, it’s best to match the other three as closely as possible. Mixing different brands, tread patterns, sizes or tread depths can negatively affect your vehicle’s handling and stability. Because each tire responds differently to steering, braking and changing road conditions, mismatched tires can reduce traction and make your vehicle less predictable, especially in rain and snow.
Scenario #5: Buying Tires That Are the Wrong Size
Your tires say you don’t realize how much they matter.
Installing tires that are the wrong size can affect far more than how your vehicle looks. Tires that don’t match your vehicle’s specifications can impact handling, braking, ride comfort, speedometer accuracy and even the performance of safety systems like ABS and traction control. If the tires are too small or have an insufficient load capacity, they may also be unable to safely support the weight of your vehicle, increasing wear and reducing performance in emergency situations. Before purchasing new tires, make sure they’re the correct size and load rating for your vehicle.
Are Your Tires Sending the Right Message?
Your tires play a critical role in your vehicle’s safety, performance and efficiency. Whether you’re unsure if your tread has enough life left, need help choosing the right replacement tires or simply want peace of mind before your next trip, Tire Source is here to help. Talk to the tire experts of the Canton-Akron area or schedule an appointment today.